European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Multicenter Study
Multicenter external validation of prediction models for clinical outcomes after spinal fusion for lumbar degenerative disease.
Clinical prediction models (CPM), such as the SCOAP-CERTAIN tool, can be utilized to enhance decision-making for lumbar spinal fusion surgery by providing quantitative estimates of outcomes, aiding surgeons in assessing potential benefits and risks for each individual patient. External validation is crucial in CPM to assess generalizability beyond the initial dataset. This ensures performance in diverse populations, reliability and real-world applicability of the results. Therefore, we externally validated the tool for predictability of improvement in oswestry disability index (ODI), back and leg pain (BP, LP). ⋯ Utilizing data from a multinational registry, we externally validate the SCOAP-CERTAIN prediction tool. The model demonstrated fair discrimination and calibration of predicted probabilities, necessitating caution in applying it in clinical practice. We suggest that future CPMs focus on predicting longer-term prognosis for this patient population, emphasizing the significance of robust calibration and thorough reporting.
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Multicenter Study
Morphometric analysis of atlas lateral mass in Down syndrome cases with relevance to surgical intervention.
Surgical stabilization of the Atlas vertebrae is indicated for severe atlantoaxial instability (AAI) in patients with Down syndrome (DS). This study aims to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the Atlas lateral mass (ALM) in patients with DS with regard to safe instrumentation for surgical stabilization and to compare them with non-syndromic group. ⋯ Patients with DS had a smaller posterior ALM wall and a steeper arch-ALM angle than the control group without DS. This information is important for surgical planning of safe posterior ALM exposure and safe instrumentation for surgical stabilization in patients with DS.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Prolonged opioid use after single-level lumbar spinal fusion surgery in a Belgian population: a multicentric observational study.
Lumbar spinal fusion surgeries are increasingly being performed in spinal degenerative disease, often accompanied by perioperative opioid prescriptions. The aim of this study is to analyze prolonged postoperative opioid use following a standardized opioid prescription after single-level lumbar spinal fusion surgery in a Belgian population. ⋯ 1 in 3 patients undergoing single-level lumbar spinal fusion surgery is at risk for prolonged opioid use. The study underscores the importance of tailored pain management strategies, particularly given the rising prevalence of spinal fusion surgeries. The association between pre-operative low back pain, post-operative improvement in functionality (ODI), and prolonged opioid use emphasizes the need for judicious opioid prescribing practices and highlights the role of functional outcomes in treatment goals.
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Comparative Study
Unilateral versus bilateral pedicle screw fixation with anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a comparison of postoperative outcomes.
To determine of the impact of ALIF with minimally invasive unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF) versus bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF) on perioperative outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and the rates of fusion, subsidence, and adjacent segment stenosis. ⋯ ALIF with UPSF relative to BPSF predicted decreased operative time but was not a significant predictor of postoperative outcomes. ALIF with UPSF can be considered to increase operative efficiency without compromising construct stability.
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Minimally invasive single position lateral ALIF at L5-S1 with simultaneous robot-assisted posterior fixation has technical and anatomic considerations that need further description. ⋯ Single position lateral ALIF at L5-S1 with simultaneous robotic placement of pedicle screws by a second surgeon is a safe and effective technique that improves global alignment and lordosis distribution index.